Introducing the Navy League “Resetting Our Maritime Forces” November 16, 2010

Supporting Sea Services of the United States United States Navy United States Marine Corps United States Coast Guard U. S. Flag Merchant Marine

About the Navy League The Navy League is a community service organization, like yours, with over 50,000 members worldwide, and 250 councils (chapters) conducting activities in local communities. Theodore Roosevelt promoted the founding of the Navy League in 1902, which was supported by the civilian and business communities – the condition that continues today. Everyone in this room is eligible to be a member. Prior military service is not required. We are all civilians.

The Navy League’s mission and goals are: We educate the men and women in our local communities, our community leaders and elected officials about the importance of our maritime forces to defend the United States and to protect global trade and our local economies We support the men and women of the sea services and their families We foster the education and development of our youth through the Naval Sea Cadet Corps and junior ROTC programs

Corpus Christi Council Key activities of our members include: Adoption of two Navy ships & 3 Coast Guard ships Support 3 local Navy / Coast Guard Commands Sponsor 7 Navy Junior ROTC units Sponsor 1 Naval Sea Cadet Unit Provide legislative affairs briefings for members of Congress Provide maritime public education presentations Hosted 2009 Navy League National Convention

Summary in Theodore Roosevelt’s Words “It seems to me that all good Americans interested in the growth of their country and sensitive to its honor, should give hearty support to the policies which the Navy League is founded to further. For the building and maintaining in proper shape of the American Navy, we must rely on nothing but the broad and farsighted patriotism of our people as a whole.” -- Theodore Roosevelt.

Resetting Our Maritime Forces A National Imperative Coast Guard missions were increased after the 9/11 attacks, yet their ability to fulfill these missions has been impacted severely by Aging and deteriorated equipment Insufficient number of personnel Insufficient funding that adversely affects efficient maintenance and operations

“We need more ships to guarantee our maritime security” Rep. W. Todd Akin (R-MO) Ranking Member, House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee

THE AGING COAST GUARD ASSETS A SERIOUS POST 9/11 THREAT Aging fleet Deteriorating aircraft Risks remain

Consider: USCG Modernization Program

USCG relief assistance to Haiti

Coast Guard’s operational budget – decreased by 1% – Instead a 4% or more increase

– Proposals to cut personnel, eliminate security teams and decommission ships before replacements are available is "penny wise and pound foolish.” Senator Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), former chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Homeland Security "How do we know that these moves will not open long-term capability gaps similar to the ones we have been struggling to fill over the years?“ Congressman David Price (D-N.C.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Homeland Security

Congressman Ike Skelton, Chair of the House Armed Services Committee stated: “We forgot that lesson of history that only the nations with powerful navies are able to exert power and influence, and when a navy disappears so does that nation’s power.”

Navy League of the United States Having a strong Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Marine Corps affects our national economic security and your personal well being.

In Closing The Navy League strongly believes that America’s sea services are the greatest force for peace in the world RESET and recapitalization of our maritime forces to the levels needed for our national security is in our national best interest

Thank you for your attention. Q&A

Suzy Williams Council President National Director Navy League of the United States Corpus Christi Council NAVY (6289)